August 6, 2015 | Morning Headlines
Over A Hundred Militants Surrender To Federal Government Forces, Scores Killed
05 August – Source: Garowe Online – 273 Words
Over hundred Al-Shabaab fighters have surrendered to Somali government forces and African Union peacekeepers in Bakol region of southwestern Somalia on Wednesdayaccording to security official. The commander of Somali National Army (SNA)’s 8th division Abdirahman Mohamed Osman (Tima Adde) has confirmed to VOA Somali Service the surrender of 120 militants and accomplices.“It’s true [that militants deserted]. That’s why we’ve arrived in Garasweyne, they include Al-Shabaab fighters, supporters and well-known Al-Shabaab elder Ali,” Tima Adde told VOA’s Hussein Barre Adan during an interview on Wednesday. When asked about the unprecedented defection of militants, he told that significant military setbacks on the frontline forced youths fighting alongside Al-Shabaab to reconsider their options.“The military offensives by allied forces saw 15 villages in Hudur countryside liberated,” Somali National army commander said of the victory they secured against the Al Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab group.
Ethiopian attack helicopter on Monday made strikes against a secret meeting in Dalandol area. “[Dalandol] airstrike inflicted heavy losses on [Al-Shabaab], intelligence tip-off indicated that they were leaving the meeting at the time. We destroyed five vehicles, two were seized, we killed 50 militants and 26 AK-47 rifles were confiscated by [the army],” he added. Meanwhile, situation is gradually returning to normalcy in areas where the fighting has been taking place over the last few weeks. On Monday afternoon, militants lost strategic El-Dher and El-Ali villages in Hiiraaan region to allied forces. A few Al-Shabaab bastions in central Somalia are still under Al-Shabaab rule. Somali government forces backed by AU peacekeepers made major gains in Gedo and Bay regions by liberating Bardhere and Dinsor from militants last month.
Key Headlines
- Over A Hundred Militants Surrender To Federal Government Forces Scores Killed (Garowe Online)
- EU Shuts Down Office In Somaliland
- Over Hundred Somali Refugees Return Home From Kenya (Horseed Media)
- Forty people Hospitalised Due To Outbreak Of Undiagnosed Disease In Mahaday (Goobjoog News)
- Puntland Accuses Soma Oil & Gas Of Backing Petroleum Bill (Garowe Online)
- AMISOM To Probe Civilian Death In Somalia Days After 6 Family Members Were Allegedly Killed By The Forces ( Somali Current)
- FM: China Played An Important Role In Somalia’s Development (Diplomat News Network)
- Arab Museum Exhibit Depicts Lives Of Somali Men In Minnesota (CBC Minnesota)
- Kenyan Youth Spend 8 Hours Daily On Terror Related Websites Official Says (Standard Digital)
- A Long Term Comprehensive Focus Will Translate As Success For The Somali National Army (Hiiraan Online)
NATIONAL MEDIA
EU Shuts Down Office In Somaliland
05 August – Dalsan Radio – 120 Words
The European Union has closed down its office in Hargeisa, the capital of self-declared state of Somaliland. The organization has also ordered its staff out from the unrecognized breakaway Northern republic of Somalia region. It is not immediately clear what precipitated the move but according to the state foreign minister Mohamed Yunis Bihi, financial constraint is the reason behind closure of the key office in Hargeisa. Main opposition parties in the self-declared state have refuted the authorities claim saying political issues such as extension of the election period has resulted European Union to take decision. European Union which is significant supporter of Somali Federal Government has its main office in the capital Mogadishu.
Over A Hundred Somali Refugees Return Home From Kenya
05 August – Source: Horseed Media – 230 Words
Some one hundred and sixteen Somali refugees left the Dadaab camp today as part of the voluntary repatriation process which started the end of last year. They arrived in the Somali capital, Mogadishu this afternoon. The repatriation of the refugees including women and small children was facilitated by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). The refugees, from the sprawling Dadaab complex that hosts over 350,000 Somali refugees, were brought to Mogadishu by two planes after taking off from Dadaab earlier this morning. The repatriation process is the outcome of the tripartite agreement signed between Kenya, Somalia and UNHCR in November 2013, agreeing a dignified and humane repatriation process for Somali refugees in Kenya on a voluntary basis.
In a Press statement, UNHCR has said that it will support the refugees who are coming back home after decades.“UNHCR support includes standardized financial and in-kind assistance to ensure safe and dignified return, as well as longer-term support to help returnees reintegrate in areas they once fled from.” Following the collapse of the Central government of Somalia in 1991, Kenya has seen a huge influx of Somali refugees. Since Al-Shabaab started launching attacks in Kenya, Somali citizens including the refugees have been viewed as security threats and most recently the Kenyan authorities claimed Dadaab refugee camps as training ground for the terrorists.
Forty People Hospitalised Due To Outbreak Of Undiagnosed Disease In Mahaday
05 August – Source: Goobjoog News – 113 Words
At least forty people have been hospitalised after the outbreak of undiagnosed disease in Mahaday town, officials said. Reports say that the disease has similar sign and symptoms with Diarrheal disease. Haji Salah Fulayn, Mahaday deputy district commissioner for social affairs, who gave an exclusive interview to Goobjoog News said that over 40 people were admitted to Mahaday hospital and that the patients are suffering from an acute inflammation of whole body. “The disease is not familiar and it is not diarrhoea, doctors are trying to diagnose it but the disease still remains unidentified” he said. Finally Salah called upon Somali government, WHO and international organizations to respond the situation as soon as possible.
Puntland Accuses Soma Oil & Gas Of Backing Petroleum Bill
05 August – Source: Garowe Online – 291 Words
Puntland government in northern Somalia has lashed out at British Oil Company, Soma Oil & Gas for largely drafting the country’s first-ever petroleum bill amid allegations of corruption, Garowe Online reports. In what seems another major battle over the management of hydrocarbon discoveries, Puntland Petroleum and Minerals Agency on Wednesday unveiled the draft bill which they will benefit Soma Oil & Gas and other foreign firms that want to illegally secure contracts.
Soma is currently facing probe for transferring payment totaling $490,000 to senior civil servants at Somalia Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ministry according to a report by a panel of UN experts. Somalia is also currently assessing its oil and gas potential, gaining the attention of investors keen on stakes in the country’s oil and gas industry.“Puntland Petroleum and Minerals Agency acknowledges that foreign firms, notably Soma Oil & Gas are propping up new petroleum bill,” read the statement, adding that the British Oil Company is pursuing a policy to enter into fresh agreements and legalize binding deals with the federal government.
Puntland voiced support for the ongoing investigations into the offices of the British firm chaired by former Conservative Party leader Michael Howard. The press statement further noted: “Given the ongoing probes, Puntland suggests [Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ministry] to rescind the agreement it signed with Soma Oil & Gas.” On Wednesday, UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigated the company’s headquarters in London, Reuters reported. Mired in a protracted conflict for over two decades, Somalia is becoming a frontier for Oil and Gas firms. UN-backed national government has drafted the first petroleum bill which reportedly awaits cabinet passage in the coming weeks. Relations between Mogadishu-based Federal Government and Puntland soured over the legitimacy of granting licenses to commercial oil exploration firms.
AMISOM To Probe Civilian Death In Somalia Days After 6 Family Members Were Allegedly Killed By The Forces
05 August – Source: Somali Current – 353 Words
The internationally backed African Union troops in Somalia have on Wednesday said it would launch investigation into the alleged killing of Somali nationals in Marka, Lowers Shabelle. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said it would probe the allegations made against its troops for causing civilian deaths in the country. AMISOM explained that the incidents could have happen as the troops were conducting an offensive against Al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia. During the same period, AMISOM added, the troops supply convoy have been under recurrent attack by militants.
According to AMISOM, the troops have proportionately responded to such attacks in self defence. “Nevertheless troops (AMISOM) regards any loss of innocent lives as tragic and we take all reports of such incidents seriously,” said AMISOM in a statement issued on Wednesday. It added,”The officer in charge of the troop detachment in Marka has been recalled for questioning as a prelude to a possible further investigation. We are committed to upholding human rights obligations.
AMISOM also disclosed that they turned down a request by elders to withdraw from a particular deployment which provides a critical link and access between Marka and the capital Mogadishu.“The request was considered carefully, but denied given the security implications both for Marka and Mogadishu,” said the statement. On Friday, AMISOM soldiers reportedly killed at least six civilians after allegedly attacking a wedding ceremony in the town of Marka. Last week, the same troops were accused of killings scores of people in the same town though the troops dismissed the allegation saying those killed were Al-Shabaab insurgents. Locals claim the forces often open fire indiscriminately at nearby pedestrians whenever suspected Al-Shabaab militants hurled grenades to AMISOM passing convoy.
Many analysts warn that AMISOM killings could trigger anti-foreign forces sentiment in the country, adding it will create strained relations between the local and the forces. Somalia Cabinet on Sunday formed inquiry team to undertake a fact finding mission in the country to probe alleged AMISOM mass killings. The cabinet took decision at the end of its debate on the recent killings in Marka and and Hudur by AU troops.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
FM: China Played An Important Role In Somalia’s Development
05 August – Source: Diplomat News Network – 265 Words
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion of the Federal Republic of Somalia Dr. Abdusalam Hadliye Omer on Tuesday issued a statement to mourn Zhang Nan, a security officer for the Chinese Embassy in Somalia who was killed in a bomb attack on July 26. “Last Saturday afternoon, the body of Zhang Nan, who was killed in the terror attack on Jazeera Hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu where the Chinese embassy was based, was returned home to rest. For us all in Somalia, we followed (that) with great sadness,” the statement said. Zhang had served in the Chinese army for 11 years and worked as a security officer in the Chinese embassy to Somalia since February.
The honourable and courageous Zhang Nan who lost his life while serving in Somalia will not be forgotten by the government and people of Somalia, the statement said. Omer said China has always played an important role in Somalia’ s development after independence. “The government of Somalia, with its partners including the government of China, have been working together to rebuild a nation once labelled the worst failed state in the world,” he said. He also expressed optimism towards the fight against insurgents, namely the militants of Al-Shabaab that was behind the car bomb attack that killed Zhang and a dozen others. “While it is true that we are still fighting the last pockets of terrorism, the fact is that we are winning…Normality is now returning to the country, as the state building process is taking shape,” he said.
Arab Museum Exhibit Depicts Lives Of Somali Men In Minnesota
05 August – Source: CBC Minnesota – 140 Words
An exhibit depicting the lives of young Somali men in Minnesota has opened at the Arab American National Museum — the first time it has featured artists or subjects from the African nation of Somalia. The Dearborn museum is showing “The Youth/Dhallinyarada,” black and white portraits with video and text. Photographer Mohamud Mumin plans to speak Sept. 11 at the museum. Museum director Devon Akmon says it’s important to “shine a light on a community that hasn’t been highlighted” and reflect “changes in immigration from Arab countries.” He adds the exhibit supports efforts “to dispel stereotypes.” Investigators have said a handful of Minnesota residents have traveled to Syria to fight with militants. Since 2007, about two dozen Somali men have also traveled to Somalia to join terrorist group al-Shabab.
Kenyan Youth Spend 8 Hours Daily On Terror Related Websites, Official Says
05 August – Source: Standard Digital – 377 Words
Youth in Nairobi are spending up to eight hours daily on terror related websites for recruitment into extremist groups, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has said. Surveillance on Internet usage show youth, especially in universities, spend long hours on terror related websites learning various issues on how they can join the groups. NCTC Director Isaac Ochieng revealed that those targeted are trooping to Syria where they have joined Islamic State (ISIS). He said most of those who are joining the terror groups think it is fashionable to do so. He added that a combination of internet, peer pressure and religion also explain why young people are joining extremist organisations. Most of the youth are aged between 20 and 25.
“More than 20 Kenyan youth, most of them university students, have either been flown or driven out of Nairobi and are headed to Syria. The rate of radicalisation is alarming and needs urgent measures to contain it,” said Ochieng. Speaking at Strathmore Law School during a terrorism lecture, Ochieng said Kenya has no capacity to stop one from traveling to either Somalia or any other hotbed of terrorism. He further said 100 youth, who had crossed to Somalia to join terror group Al-Shabaab, have come back and surrendered to authorities. “We have met them in efforts to de-radicalise them. They have a story to tell and when you look at all they say, you find that devolution is the only solution that can help in contain further radicalization of youth,” he said. He urged parents to always monitor the behavior of their children and report to authorities.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“What kind of Army do the Somali people want? One that wins battles or one that achieves peace. The U.S. has the most technologically powerful and professionally trained force on the globe with a budget exceeding the collective wherewithal of several other nation states further down the list. It has won numerous battles over the last decade and a half, but not achieved anything resembling peace.”
A Long Term Comprehensive Focus Will Translate As Success For The Somali National Army
05 August – Source: Hiiraan Online – 2, 266 Words
During April 2014, it was extremely encouraging to listen to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud speak about gradual, overall improvement of the Somali National Army. Of particular interest for me was his comment that the self-perceptions of ordinary soldiers were moving toward a national orientation / identification.[1] On May 14th of this year, President Mohamud announced the creation of the National Commission for Somali National Army Integration and initiated a new training academy to advance the professional quality of the Somali National Army. This was facilitated with the donor sponsorship of the United Arab Emirates, represented by Envoy Mohammed Ahmed Al Othman.
These events are the most important steps among the critical issues that must be addressed by the Somali people with regard to the reunification and professionalization of the Somali National Army and are a key component of reconciliation and reunification of Somalia. Certainly the political and military leadership of the Commission membership is representative of all sectors of the nation. My question as a sociologist is whether that is inclusive enough? Should the Commission have an advisory board or a number of advisory boards representing the voices of both governmental and public non-security sectors of the nation? Ownership requires maximum inclusiveness, having the ability to wrestle with concepts “outside the box” of traditional and standard notions of security and institution building as being exclusively military, intelligence, and police. It should include consideration of ideas generated from all non-security sectors.
The Commission would do well to consider “field hearings” around the nation appreciate the participation of the most affected: the communities of elders, religious, economic / business, professional academic, women, youth, the diaspora, from the internally displaced, and from former soldiers and combatants – yes, even the DDR participants will no doubt have something of value to express. Also, they might consider the opinions of trusted partners in development such as the Turkish business associations and others. Such a strategy should work to widen opportunities for local Somali to participate in public debate and exercise productive citizenship. This type of tactic is just one implementation of the most important strategy – taking long term considerations of deep range and wide scope, which must have substantially greater priority than the present short term factors. This seems counter-intuitive, but signifies the importance of overcoming the crisis of immediacy; to not do so, means to concede decision space to adversaries and forego holistic conceptions and narratives of a reconciliatory future. Without a long term view, Somalia risks perpetually trying to get there, but never would arrive. It would become a victim to the “tyranny of emergency”[4] robbing it of decision space, consequently distorting both organization purpose and strategies – negatively impacting outcomes.